Principal / Sr Principal RF Microwave Design Engineer (AHT)

Northrop Grumman Corp.; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 114,000 - 213,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Savings plan

Paid holidays and PTO

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Space Systems in Boulder, CO, seeks a Principal or Sr Principal RF Microwave Design Engineer to lead RF/microwave system analysis, design, and verification. You will develop antenna architectures, frequency synthesizers, and RF links for space and ground applications.

The role requires a DoD Secret clearance, strong MATLAB/Simulink skills, and collaboration across engineering teams in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Active U.S. Government Secret security clearance required.
• Experience in RF system modeling, simulation, and analysis.
• Knowledge of Digital Communications and Signal Processing.
• Experience with SATCOM ground terminals, RF‑over‑fiber, and phased arrays.

Responsibilities

• Conduct RF/payload/communication system analysis, modeling, and simulation.
• Design RF/microwave systems, antenna designs (reflectors/arrays), and synthesizers.
• Generate specifications and analyses from customer requirements.
• Support proposals with Basis of Estimates; perform link budget analyses.

Skills

MATLAB proficiency

Strong communication skills

Analytical and problem-solving

Team collaboration

SysML / MBSE awareness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM

Master’s degree in STEM

PhD in STEM

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

HFSS

Vector signal analyzers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking an Principal or Sr Principal RF Microwave Design Engineer to support our team in Boulder, CO.Job ResponsibilitiesConducting RF/payload/communication system analysis, modeling, and simulationDesigning and developing RF systems and corresponding analysesDesigns, develops, tests radio frequency (RF) and/or microwave systems architecture, components, circuits, or products. Includes antenna design, both reflector and array systems, frequency synthesizers, transmitters and receivers.Generating specifications and analyses for ambiguous customer requirementsSupporting RF engineering Basis of Estimates for proposalsExecute trades and analyses for Radio Frequency systems and circuitryDesign and develop RF systems and corresponding analyses, such as link budgets, cascade analyses, and frequency responseModel and simulate RF systems for high-frequency and microwave applicationsThis position can be staffed at a Principal or Sr Principal level based on the basic qualifications below.Basic Qualifications:Principal: Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline with 5 years of relevant experience – OR – Master’s degree with 3 years of relevant experience – OR – PHD with 1 year of relevant experienceSr Principal: Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline with 8 years of relevant experience – OR – Master’s degree with 6 years of relevant experience – OR – PHD with 4 years of relevant experienceMust have an active U.S. Government Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope.Understanding of Digital Communications and Signal Processing.Experience in modeling, simulation, and/or analysis of RF Systems, including Space-to-Ground and Payload SystemsDesign and integration of SATCOM ground terminals, RF‑over‑Fiber, high‑power transmitters, and phased‑array and parabolic antennas.Experience performing Link Budget Analysis to design and optimize the communication link between the satellite and the ground station and/or Cascade Analysis to evaluate the overall performance of the payload and associated componentsProficient with MATLABProficient with Microsoft Office SuiteStrong communication skillsPreferred QualificationsExtensive RF/payload/communication experience in system analysis, modeling and simulation.Extensive knowledge and experience in the area of Satellite Communications (SATCOM) such as Analog-to-Digital and Digital-to-Analog analysis and testing; digital channelization, digital beamforming, digital receiver theory and technologyKnowledge of RF performance metrics (G/T, tracking performance, axial ratio, phase variation) and EMI/RFI shielding requirementsAbility to analyze and evaluate complex satellite test data, extensive experience working with spectrum analyzers, network analyzers and vector signal analyzers and their associated data.Experience with MATLAB/Simulink in modeling complex communication systems.Experience with Basis of EstimatesUnderstanding of MBSE (SysML) andExperience with DOORSFamiliarity with STKFamiliarity with HFSS.Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility (either adjudicated or the ability to obtain SCI access)Comfortable with ambiguity and able to work with uncertain or incomplete informationStrong analytical and problem-solving skillsAbility to work collaboratively in a team environmentPrimary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.